Ronaldo sends United top

Ronaldo curses after missing another chance. He had 11 shots at Pride Park...and scored one

The Portuguese finally scored his 31st goal of the season with his ninth effort in the game.

It means United are now top of the table on goal difference AND have a game in hand after Arsenal could only draw 1-1 against Middlesborough.

United's wonder winger struck in the 76th minute, finally breaking brave Derby’s dogged resistence by scoring the only goal of the game.

It was cruel on doomed Derby and stretched the Rams’ winless streak in the Barclays Premier League to 24 matches.

Elsewhere Chelsea maintained their title challenge with a narrow away victory of their own, winning 1-0 at Sunderland with John Terry grabbing the only goal after 10 minutes, his first of the season. Chelsea stay third on 64 points.

Fourth-placed Liverpool came from behind to beat Reading 2-1 at Anfield with goals from Javier Mascherano, his first for the club, and Fernando Torres, his 20th in the league this season.

Portsmouth moved above Aston Villa into sixth place after beating them 2-0 at Fratton Park, while West Ham United came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Upton Park.